Eduard “Edo” Harutyunyan embarked on his musical journey at the age of ten, studying under Robert Eolchyan, a prominent Armenian jazz drummer of his era. Demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication, Eduard quickly rose to become the lead drummer in his band, a position that catapulted him into the heart of the regional jazz scene.

Throughout his career, Eduard has collaborated with some of the most respected names in music, including Vardan Arakelyan, Vahagn Hayrapetyan, and Orestis Moustidis. His pursuit of mastery led him to study under renowned percussionists such as Bob Weiner, Subratha Bhattacharia, Kurosh Bozorgpoor, Osvaldo Hernandes, and the legendary Billy Cobham, enriching his skills in various percussion styles from around the world.

Eduard has also drawn significant inspiration from virtuoso drummers like Peter Erskine, Zakir Hussain, Alex Acuna, and Steve Gadd. His diverse influences are reflected in his ability to seamlessly blend styles such as Oriental, Latin, and Indian percussion, creating a unique sound that is distinctly his own.

Harutyunyan’s performances have spanned the globe, sharing stages with illustrious artists like Richard Bona, Randy Brecker, Arturo Sandoval, Chico Freeman, and groups such as Cirque Du Soleil. His engagements have included jam sessions with international talents such as Marc Johnson, Kim Nazarian, Armen Donelian, and Carlos Diaz. His technique and playing style received high praise from Billy Cobham at the “GEOCELL” International Jazz Festival in Georgia in 2000.

Beyond performing, Eduard has made significant contributions to music education. He founded the children’s ethnic jazz sextet “Pokr Jazz,” which became highly popular among teenagers, and led the Armenian Percussive Art Center and the Armenian PAS Chapter. He also established the percussion school “Rhythmica” in 1998, marking the beginning of his teaching career.

In April of 2021, Eduard relocated to the United States and, from 2022, he has been an integral part of the faculty at the International School of Music. His extensive experience and passion for teaching continue to inspire and shape the talents of aspiring musicians.